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Scouting Report

1999 Season
There were smirks all around the White Sox organization in 1998 about those who questioned whether Mike Caruso could make the jump from Class-A to the big leagues. By the end of Caruso's disappointing sophomore season in 1999, even Sox GM Ron Schueler was citing the lack of education the shortstop had received on his way to Comiskey Park. Caruso's repeated mental mistakes and errors on routine grounders led to two weeklong benchings in the second half.


Hitting
Caruso is a slap hitter who depends on his quickness to get on base. His effectiveness is limited by his inability to work the count and draw walks. He has a short, quick swing but chases too many pitches outside the strike zone, especially those off the outside of the plate. He hasn't learned to hit good breaking pitches but gets plenty of fastballs because of the lack of respect pitchers have for him. Caruso has very little power and his .280 on-base percentage in 1999 was the lowest among American League qualifiers. He's a very good bunter.


Baserunning & Defense
Caruso's play at shortstop improved marginally over his rookie season, largely because he didn't suffer through the arm troubles that contributed to his 35 errors in 1998. He has good range and reasonable fundamentals, but isn't the on-field quarterback teams want at shortstop. While Caruso is a speedy runner, he has yet to become a good basestealer. He led the AL by being caught 14 times in 1999, when he stole just 12 bases.


2000 Outlook
The fading golden boy of the White Flag trade could get some remedial time in Triple-A this season, but the greater likelihood is that Caruso will share time with a veteran. His biggest challenge could from former first-round pick Jason Dellaero, whom the Sox hope soon will be ready to establish himself as the everyday shortstop.


Scouting Report Source: STATS, Inc. Copyright 2000 STATS, Inc.
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